A look at Zach Churchill, leader of the Nova Scotia Liberal party

By The Canadian Press on October 27, 2024.

Nova Scotia Liberal Party leader Zach Churchill speaks to reporters during a media availability in Halifax on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese

HALIFAX – Zach Churchill will be taking the Liberal Party of Nova Scotia into its first provincial election since he became leader.

Born: May 25, 1984.

Early years: He was raised in Yarmouth, N.S., where his mother was a teacher and entrepreneur. He is a descendant of Lebanese immigrants.

Education: He graduated with a bachelor of arts from Saint Mary’s University in Halifax in 2007.

Family: He and his wife Katie have two young daughters, Cecelia and Eva.

Before politics: He was a leader in student politics and after graduation was national director of the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations.

Politics: He was first elected to the provincial legislature in a 2010 byelection at the age of 26, representing the riding of Yarmouth. He was re-elected in 2013, 2017 and 2021. During the Liberals’ time in power after the 2013 election he held cabinet portfolios including health, education, natural resources and municipal affairs. He was elected party leader in July 2022.

Quote: When asked this week whether there is a legitimate reason for Premier Tim Houston to call an election. “I don’t think there is one right now. He has a majority government and he set a fixed election date in law “¦ and we have to highlight that he’s willing to break that promise.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 27, 2024.